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Hi everyone! Somehow 2015 is already coming to a close, and a new year awaits. The concept of a New Year has always perplexed me- in one way, it's positive in its ability to encourage change and improvement, however, it's also deceptive because you can always alter your life. It doesn't actually matter if it's January 1st or July 2nd, which is often difficult for people to recognize (me included). Nonetheless, I decided to continue the "tradition" and do my "Best of" end of year post, where I basically compile random favorite things that I think of and organize them accordingly. What were some of your favorite things this year? Leave a comment below! Happy New Year!! xoxo Isabelle First up is my favorite trip- if you didn't know, I spent 9 months living abroad in France from September to May, so I did my fair share of traveling during my time in Europe. The beginning of my 2015 involved a lot of traveling, but my voyage in Germany was most memorable. I went from Paris to Strasbourg, then to Munich and ended in Berlin with two of my friends, Heather and Olivia. Berlin specifically was my favorite aspect of the three part trip because of the famous East Side Gallery, with a mile of beautiful murals and messages dedicated to freedom.

It is rare that a day goes by in which my best friend Allison and I don't talk about how Gigi Hadid is quite simply perfection. Both her and Kendall Jenner have dominated the modeling and social media worlds this year. There are plenty of celebrities to look up to, like Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato, however, Gigi is noteworthy because she is only 20 years old and has already done so much, like Teen Vogue covers and Vogue spreads.

During the school year, I rarely have time to read for pleasure, like many students. Heck, I barely finish my AP Euro reading by the end of the day. On break, though, I do as much reading as I can while I have time at my leisure. While I was on Saint Lucia for the past week, I read 2 books- "Reconstructing Amelia" and "The Art of Crash Landing", which were both my mom's suggestions. These two books both have a common "mystery" type theme, where the end reveals that the plot was even more twisted than you thought. If you liked Gone Girl, you'll love these took books! I don't watch too many TV shows (beside marathons of 90210), but Finding Carter on MTV remains one of my favorites that I keep up with, even during the school year. The show revolves around Carter, who was abducted as a child, and follows her new life with her real family. As the seasons have progressed, the storyline has gotten even more complex and addictive. If you watched Twisted or The Lying Game on ABC Family, you would like this show for its action packed plot. {FACEBOOK}{TWITTER}{INSTAGRAM}{BLOGLOVIN'}{TUMBLR}

Since my freshman year, the weekend trips off of my boarding school's campus have definitely improved. As it is my last year here, I have been trying to spend more time with my friends on these trips, whether we are on campus or roaming the streets of Philly. Last weekend, I ventured to Philly for a Christmas Market trip with some of my friends. We explored the plethora of stands along the perimeter of the famous Love Park, where I was succesful in some last minute Christmas gifts. Continuing on, there was a quaint ice rink adjacent to Penn Medicine and a massive, ornate tree surrounded by tourists and locals alike. Being consumed in homework at school, it rarely truly feels like Christmas, despite the Christmas caroling and gingerbread house making activities. But there's something about a city adorned in lights and scrumptious winter delights that makes the Christmas cheer more prevalent. Although I do appreciate cities at Christmas, I will be leaving for Saint Lucia tomorrow. When you read this, I will hopefully be relaxing on the beach avoiding all responsibilities. OooOoh yeah. What are your plans for Christmas if you celebrate? xoxo Isabelle {FACEBOOK}{TWITTER}{INSTAGRAM}{BLOGLOVIN'}{TUMBLR}

The night before any break starts is one that involves packing, Netflix, "What are your break plans?" small talk, and little to no regard for the few classes we have the next day. Initially, the two weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas break seemed undeniably daunting- but somehow it is already the night before vacation and I couldn't be any happier. Tonight, the senior class will do its annual Christmas Caroling with some Chick-fil-A and Klondike bars to ring in some holiday spirit. In just a few days, I'll find my self basking in my sunburn on the beaches of Saint Lucia, de-stressing from the insanity that is senior year. After the Christmas cheer has subsided, we will all be welcoming the new year- 2016- the year in which I graduate!!! High school!! I will seriously never be able to get over being a senior. One of the best parts of the winter, in addition to candy cane concoctions and ugly Christmas sweaters, is being able to sport turtle necks to school. I used to be a firm turtle neck sweater, deeming them hideous and vowing to never wear one; according to this outfit, I have moved on from that phase. Now, I view them in a "ugly-cute" sort of light, and my collection of these bizarre sweaters seems to keep growing. I usually wear turtlenecks with leather pants or waxed jeans with booties to 'maintain' my European flare (not really, but this outfit combination just tends to happen). I also rediscovered this old mini-duffle bag from Juicy and love the statement the red makes against my rather neutral look. How do you wear turtlenecks? Happy Holidays!!! xoxo Isabelle

It has been awhile since I last broke out the Polyvore sets, so I thought I would create this post, with three different outfits for Christmas. All of these items are a bit steep price wise, but you could easily find less expensive dupes for your favorite items at stores like Urban Outfitters and Nordstrom. Click on the image to see more information about the pieces included in each look. Leave a comment with which outfit is your favorite (1,2,3)!

This first look is quite possibly my favorite- it reminds me of Shay Mitchell's character 'Emily' on Pretty Little Liars. Her character often wears athletic style clothing, but with a girly twist. Although I paired the sweater with medium-wash jeans, adding the leather jacket and backpack made the outfit a little dressier. As for the shoes, I have been wanting to get my hands on a pair of Adidas sneakers for the longest time, and the white pair goes with just about anything. You could wear this outfit just about anywhere- a party, hanging out with friends, shopping- and you'll look straight out of Vogue.

This second set is a subtle yet bold combination of different prints and colors. In the wintertime, it is easy to just wear all black and be content, but color needs to make an appearance from time to time. I have been wearing turtlenecks like the one above like none other, and I love how it provides a simple base for the hunter green suede jacket. To tie in the zipper theme, I added this high-waisted zip skirt, which could be paired with booties or some heels. To complete the color scheme, I threw in some tortoise shell sunnies and a burnt orange Balenciaga bag. I would wear this outfit for a coffee date, an art opening, or even a holiday party.

This last look is more business-like than the other two, while not being too "stiff". Business-attire can easily get bland with a blazer or slacks, but this outfit makes professional look classy. The texture of the skirt and the gold jewels on the booties add an interesting flair to this outfit, while the black trench coat will keep you warm and makes the set more streamlined. My favorite aspect of this outfit is the accessories, with the golden theme and the beautiful Celine bag. This outfit could be worn to work, a dinner-date, a holiday party, or just to walk around the city.

I would be lying if I said that I was embarrassed that my past two post titles have been direct One Direction references. I didn't choose the 1D fan life, it chose me, okay? Anyway, this outfit is a rare instance in which I let "preppy Isabelle" come to the surface. J Crew and Made-well dressed Isabelle isn't so bad, I suppose. If you didn't know, I attend a boarding school with a business-like dress code which is pretty much this outfit, give or take a blazer and dress pants. In the late fall and winter, button down flannels are essential to my wardrobe, because they're so easy to throw on with a cozy sweater overtop. I recently purchased this very warm jacket as well, which quite possibly everyone at my school owns- I conformed to the trend, you could say. The hype is valid, though, because it really is a good jacket for anyone living on the East coast or somewhere that gets chilly. Even though it was borderline "hot" the other day, we all know just how cold it can get in New Jersey during the winter. As I write this post, I am avoiding all responsibility (not that I have many- it's break after all) and watching The Polar Express. Thanksgiving break ends tomorrow, with Winter break thankfully a shy 2 weeks away. This break was consumed by college apps, holiday celebrations, and heaps of aimless College Confidential scrolling sessions. Let's just say college is making me go insane...In order to not obsess over my potentially college-less future (exaggerating), I plan on soaking up the holidays, whether it's our schools Secret Santa exchange or scrumptious holiday cookies. Say yes to anything chocolate and gift-giving! xoxo Isabelle {FACEBOOK}{TWITTER}{INSTAGRAM}{BLOGLOVIN'}{TUMBLR}